After a decade as a professional, the man known as ‘the shark’ finally showed his teeth as Steve Darcis dumped Rafael Nadal out of Wimbledon at the first-round stage.

While 12-time grand-slam winner Nadal was left to lick his wounds following a maiden opening-round loss at a major, Darcis was reflecting on his greatest victory.

Since joining the main tour in 2003, the 29-year-old Belgian has made little impact, lifting just two titles – the last of which came in 2008.

He performed like a multiple winner today, though, cashing in on Nadal’s apparent lack of fitness.

Known as ‘the shark’ because of his love of the fish – he has one tattooed on his shoulder – recognition has been a long time coming for Darcis.

The world No.135 said: ‘It’s one of the greatest wins. He didn’t play his best tennis and it was his first game on grass this season. I have played four.

‘I don’t know if he was injured. He looked okay but it was his first game on grass and that is always difficult.’

Darcis then sought to explain the inking on his shoulder. ‘I have a tattoo like the shark because my star sign is the fish,’ he added. ‘I love sharks, my tattoo is in an S like Steve.’

But French Open champion Nadal refused to blame his problematic knees and in an echo of Boris Becker’s famous ‘No one died’ quote when he suffered a similar defeat at SW19, Nadal said: ‘I tried my best and congratulate the opponent. It is not a tragedy, it is sport.’

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts (Picture: Reuters)

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts (Picture: Reuters)

A general view of Belgium’s Steve Darcis in action

A general view of Belgium's Steve Darcis in action during his first round match with Spain's Rafael Nadal on Court 1 (Picture: Action Images)

A general view of Belgium's Steve Darcis in action during his first round match with Spain's Rafael Nadal on Court 1 (Picture: Action Images)

Steve Darcis of Belgium celebrates match point

Steve Darcis of Belgium celebrates match point during his Gentlemen's Singles first round match against Rafael Nadal (Picture: Getty)

Steve Darcis of Belgium celebrates match point during his Gentlemen's Singles first round match against Rafael Nadal (Picture: Getty)

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves (Picture: Getty)

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves (Picture: Getty)

BRITAIN_WIMBLEDON_TENNIS_WIM336-2013JUN24_165422_285.jpg

Steve Darcis of Belgium (Picture: AP)

Steve Darcis of Belgium (Picture: AP)

Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after a point against Belgium’s Steve Darcis

Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts after a point against Belgium's Steve Darcis (Picture: AFP/Getty)

Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts after a point against Belgium's Steve Darcis (Picture: AFP/Getty)

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts

Spain’s Rafael Nadal uses his towel on the way to being beaten by Belgium’s Steve Darcis

Spain's Rafael Nadal uses his towel on the way to being beaten by Belgium's Steve Darcis (Picture: AFP/Getty)

Spain's Rafael Nadal uses his towel on the way to being beaten by Belgium's Steve Darcis (Picture: AFP/Getty)

He added: ‘Sometimes you play well and you have the chance to win, sometimes you play worse and you lose, that’s the good thing about the sport.

‘For me, there were not a lot of things good but I congratulate Darcis, who played well. This is not the right day[to talk about injury]. I tried my best in every moment but this was not right for me.’

Andy Murray avoided any first-round dramas as he eased past Benjamin Becker 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. ‘There’s always nerves at the start of a grand slam and I’m glad to get it out of the way,’ said the Scot.

Roger Federer opened up his Wimbledon defence and quest for a record eighth title by comprehensively defeating Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-2, 6-0.